Speaking to the media after participating in a panel discussion at the Government Linked Companies (GLC) open day, he said the corporation is also looking at ways how Malaysians abroad can contribute to the country from wherever they are.

"In looking at talent needs (in the country) it cannot just be (focused on) Malaysians abroad," he said.

"We need to also be aware of the opportunities (available) to utilise foreign talent and up-scale Malaysian talent," he was quoted as saying, adding that the organisation was looking into optimising foreign talent within Malaysia.

"We are working very closely with different key sectors of the economy, to find what can be done to address the critical skills gap, and how to forge public-private partnerships to address these shortages," said Johan.

Asked about an announcement in Parliament last June by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Abdul Razak that TalentCorp would lure about 700,000 Malaysians working abroad home, Johan said luring such a figure was impossible.

"What he articulated when he made the announcement was how many Malaysians were overseas. I do not think it was any attempt to say we'll bring everyone back. Clearly we cannot bring everyone back," said Johan.